Fundamentals of Art

The Fundamentals of Art program was developed to include all popular art techniques and became recognized
as one of the most extensive art study programs available today. The Fundamentals of Art program covers the
critical elements that you will need to be able to draw anything from life. Each lesson builds on the last
and takes you into new areas to constantly challenge you and expand your abilities. Your instructors are
trained, professional artists with a wide variety of experiences and specialties. They hold varied degrees
in art. Instructors are available to answer any questions you may have on your lessons.

In the first eight lessons you will be studying the basics of art concepts – accuracy of size, use of
basic shapes, proportions and value, contrast and tone, stroke development and pencil techniques. Already
at this point, you will be able to turn your newly learned art techniques into successful art projects.

Continuing your progress through the program, you will master ink techniques and color application,
cartooning, design and composition while learning to draw animals and the human figure. By now you will be
able to draw anything from life.

After you have completed all lessons you will be sent a Certificate of Completion. Your
certificate can function however you would like. You can place it in your art portfolio to show potential
clients, or you may apply to a traditional school of your choice. TThe American Council on Education has recommended to over 3,000 colleges and universities throughout the U.S. to grant up to 24 college credits for the completion of the Fundamentals of Art program. Keep in mind the acceptance for transfer of academic credits is determined by the receiving institution.

Section 1

In this first group of lessons, you will focus on the basics of art. It is here that you will learn several different drawing perspectives and shading techniques. In lessons 1 through 4, focus is on the basics of creating drawings by first learning to analyze and reproduce what you are looking at via the grid drawing technique. Further in-depth learning will focus on the many traditional drawing techniques used to help you achieve accurate shapes, proportions and volume throughout your drawings. Finally, a summary and review, to reinforce all the concepts, techniques, and skills you've learned throughout this section.

Section 2

In this group of lessons, you will learn about ink drawing techniques, color theory and painting techniques. It is here that you will learn to create finished artwork via alternate methods, such as pen, brush and ink. We will also cover, in-depth, the technicalities of color mixing, creating harmonious color palettes and the application of paint and brush techniques. Finally, a summary and review, to reinforce all the concepts, techniques, and skills you've learned throughout this section.

Section 3

In this group of lessons, you will learn about animal drawing, still life drawing and compositional techniques that will help you to create better constructed work. You will understand animal anatomy and apply the basic drawing techniques that you learned in the first unit. You will then apply the painting techniques learned in the second unit to create finished animal images. You will also focus on the importance of still life drawing and composition, which is applied to strengthen the quality of the work that you produce. Finally, a summary and review, to reinforce all the concepts, techniques, and skills you've learned throughout this section.

Section 4

In this group of lessons, you will learn and apply the many different forms of figure drawing, ranging from portraits to full and foreshortened figures. In-depth focus in human anatomy and the drawing techniques that can be used to create a figure. It is here that you will comprehensively apply the techniques that have been taught in the first three units to accurately draw the human figure. The unit concludes with learning to draw fabric, folds and the figure, perhaps one of the most challenging facets of art. Finally, a summary and review, to reinforce all the concepts, techniques, and skills you've learned throughout this section.